Growing up, my mom would make these incredible Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties on busy weeknights when we needed a quick and satisfying meal. The crispy, golden exterior and tender, flavorful interior always had us coming back for seconds. It’s a recipe that’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why This Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
What sets these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of finely chopped salmon, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and toasted sesame seeds creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. The addition of Dijon mustard and garlic powder adds a subtle kick, while the mayonnaise helps to bind the patties together, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound salmon fillets, finely chopped: The star of the show, this high-quality salmon provides the rich, buttery flavor and tender texture that makes these patties so special.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs lend an exceptional crunch to the exterior of the patties, creating a satisfying texture.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds: Toasted to perfection, the sesame seeds add a delightful nutty flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: The eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the patties together and ensuring they don’t fall apart during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: This creamy ingredient adds moisture and a touch of richness to the patties.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: The Dijon provides a subtle tang that complements the salmon and sesame flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A simple seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: These basic seasonings help to balance and elevate the flavors of the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties.
Step-by-Step Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Instructions
Preparing Your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
With a total time of just 30 minutes (15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking), these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a skillet, and a few essential kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by finely chopping the salmon fillets into small, even pieces. This will help the patties hold their shape and cook evenly.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, lightly beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they’re well incorporated.
3- Gently form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, being careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the patties tough.
4- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
5- Flip the patties gently with a spatula, taking care not to break them apart. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
6- Once both sides are crisp and cooked through, remove the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the patty mixture, as this can make the texture dense and tough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Use a nonstick skillet or griddle to cook the patties, and make sure the oil is hot before adding them. This will help create that crispy, golden exterior.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of your patties. Thinner patties may cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the patties before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Perfect Pairings for Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or a simple lemon-garlic rice pilaf. They also make a delightful main dish for a light summer dinner, especially when paired with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cucumber-mint water.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a great option for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the patties on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the uncooked patty mixture can be formed into patties, placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply transfer the frozen patties directly from the freezer to the skillet and cook as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Creative Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Variations
- Swap out the salmon for another type of fish, such as tuna or cod, for a different flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped scallions or diced bell peppers to the mixture for extra color and texture.
- Experiment with different seasonings, like smoked paprika, dill, or lemon-pepper, to create unique variations.
- For a vegetarian option, try substituting the salmon with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
Making Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Diet-Friendly
To make these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed pork rinds or almond flour. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can also use a combination of almond flour and ground pork rinds in place of the breadcrumbs.
If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or a vegan mayonnaise. The Dijon mustard and other seasonings will still provide plenty of flavor without the need for dairy products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon fillets?
A: Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great alternative and can work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and flake the canned salmon before adding it to the mixture.
Q: How long do these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties take to cook?
A: The total cooking time for these patties is 15 minutes, with 3-4 minutes per side in the skillet. The key is to cook them over medium heat, so the exterior gets crispy while the interior remains tender and juicy.
Q: Can I make these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The uncooked patty mixture can be formed into patties, placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply transfer the frozen patties directly from the freezer to the skillet and cook as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties yields 6 servings. The patty mixture can be divided into 6 equal-sized portions to create a satisfying main dish.
Q: What should I do if my patties start to fall apart during cooking?
A: If the patties are having trouble holding their shape, try gently pressing them with a spatula as they cook to help them maintain their form. You can also add a bit more mayonnaise or an extra egg to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together more effectively.
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a quick and easy main dish that’s full of flavor. Serve them over a salad, with roasted veggies, or on a bun for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound salmon fillets, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko, sesame seeds, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Working in batches if necessary, cook the salmon patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape. You can also bake the patties at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a true weeknight wonder – they’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The combination of tender salmon, crunchy sesame seeds, and savory seasonings creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as an appetizer, I’m confident this recipe will become a new family favorite. So don’t hesitate to give it a try – your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!
